Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

(a) Prove that, if the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial ax2+bx+cax^{2}+bx+c are rational numbers, then the discriminant b2−4acb^{2}-4ac must be a perfect square. (b) Using the result proved in part (a), or otherwise, obtain the complete factorisation of 7x2−22x+37x^{2}-22x+3 over the set of rational numbers. (c) Verify your answer to part (b) by showing that each factor yields zero when substituted into the original polynomial.

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